CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx — While the dust just begins to settle on Halloween, the La Palmera Mall is already welcoming the Christmas season.
"Santa's Arrival" was held at the mall on Wednesday, Nov. 6, as thousands of guests enjoyed an evening of holiday festivities.
"This is the day we wait for 365 days a year," La Palmera spokesman Sarona Winfrey said.
There was face painting, balloon animals, a marching band, and many more free activities for Christmas enthusiasts.
But the main attraction? The jolly, round-bellied man in the red suit.
Coastal Bend native Elena Booth brought her niece, Grace Phil, to participate in the festivities.
"It's super traditional for us to come here every year to see Santa," Booth said. "This day just means a lot to us it gets her spirit started in a whole new way."
Phil was thrilled to see Kris Kringle, screaming "Santa, Santa, Santa" in the minutes leading up to his arrival.
"She's so happy to be here," Booth said.
"Every year, we try to come up with something different to mix it up," Winfrey said.
La Palmera will host special entertainment, such as magic shows, pet nights, and more, every weekend until the holidays.
Santa will be available for photo opportunities leading up to Christmas Eve, with photo packages starting at $34.95.
"This is something that we do for the community. It's a free event. We are part of the community and we're happy everyone comes and celebrates this event at La Palmera," Winfrey said.
More information on the Holiday Happenings at La Palmera:
- Photos with Santa, presented by Physicians Premier ER, are underway every day through Dec. 24 in Center Court. Walkups are welcome, but guests can reserve their visit time and pre-purchase their photo package with an LP Snap Passavailable online at lapalmera.com. Photo packages start at $34.95 with other keepsake items available for purchase.
- Guests may bring their fur baby for Pet Night with Santa, on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Nov. 13 and 14, Nov. 20 and 21, and Dec. 4, and 5, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. in Center Court. All pets must remain on a leash or in a carrier. Pet owners can walk up or reserve a photo time and pre-purchase their photo package with an LP Snap Passonline at lapalmera.com.
- Quiet Time with Santa returns, providing an opportunity for those with developmental or physical challenges and their families to visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment before the mall opens — no background music, no crowds. Scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 17, Nov. 24, and Dec. 8, from 9–11 a.m., reservations are required and can be made online by going to lapalmera.com.
- Beginning Nov. 29, shoppers can take advantage of La Palmera’s charity gift-wrapping service from noon–6 p.m. every Friday through Sunday, plus the Monday and Tuesday of Christmas week. The gift–wrapping station is located on the main level opposite Wireless Accessories, where local charity volunteers will provide wrapping services for donations.
